This group of income payments is provided for people in situations of special need or hardship where they are ineligible for other payments.

SPECIAL BENEFIT

A Special Benefit is a discretionary payment that may be paid to a person who is not otherwise eligible for a pension or allowance, but is in severe financial hardship and unable to earn a sufficient livelihood for themselves and their dependants for reasons beyond their control. Payment can be made immediately in an emergency.

In June 2003 there were 109 people receiving Special Benefit in Tasmania. (Source: Centrelink)

Recipients of Department of Family and Community Services benefits may also be eligible for a range of supplementary payments and entitlements, including those listed below. Further information about these payments is available from the Centrelink web site. See the links below.